ACL curse continues at Real Madrid as young midfielder leaves US preseason tour

Real Madrid have endured terrible fortune when it comes to serious injuries over the past 12 months, and once again, it has struck them. Midfielder Cesar Palacios looks to be the latest victim.

Last summer Thibaut Courtois tore his anterior cruciate ligament just days before the start of the season, and then Eder Militao went down with the same issue in the 40th minute of their first game against Athletic Club. The new year brought little better, as David Alaba also went down with an ACL injury in January.

Palacios, 19, came on at half-time against AC Milan in their preseason friendly, and just four minutes later, went down with a knee issue. Diario AS say that the worst fears have been confirmed, and it appears Palacios has suffered an ACL injury. He is now returning to Madrid where the diagnosis will be confirmed.

After the match, Ancelotti had admitted that it did not look promising.

“Palacios has a knee problem, it doesn’t look good, it’s a shame, it can happen in football. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, we’ll evaluate it tomorrow.”

The central midfielder was set to be a crucial part of Raul Gonzalez’s Castilla side this season, and now it looks as if he will likely miss the majority of the season.